After the disappointments of the previous season, when
people started saying that Leeds were on the downwards slope after the double
humiliations of failure to Sunderland in the FA Cup and then the loss to the
twelve man AC Milan in the Cup-winners Cup final, Don Revie
famously said that they should go through the season undefeated and this was
the first of those games.

Fourteen seasons of lion-hearted endeavour had done nothing
to dampen the enthusiasm for the game of Leeds and Scotland
Captain Billy Bremner. The dynamic little midfield
man was as lively and competitive as ever when United kicked off the new season
in August 1973 by hammering out a warning to the doubters with a convincing 3-1
victory over Everton at Elland
Road. Bremner’s thirst
for success, his spirit and not least his tremendous ability on the field, were
well to the fore as he exploded into his Testimonial season with the game’s
best goal after only three minutes.

The red-haired Scot weaved his way past several defenders on
the edge of the penalty area, partially fell to a tackle but recovered swiftly
to accept the ball back from Allan Clarke and fire the ball home. Everton’s
former HuddersfieldTown keeper, David Lawson, had no
chance as the ball sped to his right and inside the post. “The goal helped to
settle us down and it upset Everton,” a delighted Bremner
said.

His goal, however, posed the question as to why Bremner should have been so far forward so early in the
game. The answer was that manager Don Revie’s plans
for the new season were designed to add more goals to his side’s tally. “We
worked on a few things in training and we decided our middlemen should support
the front-men more if possible. That was what I was doing and it paid off,” Bremner added.

His goal put United in the driving seat but, though they
dominated the first–half, that goal was all they had to show for their efforts
in the first forty-five minutes. Everton failed to match the more stylish
approach of their opponents although they never lacked enthusiasm and
contributed a lot to an entertaining and sportingly fought match.

United had to wait until the hour mark before they increased
their lead, when Johnny Giles thundered in a twenty-five yarder
which bulged the back of the net before Lawson could move a muscle. Five minutes
later Mick Jones, who was looking a much sharper player, flicked the ball past
one defender before slotting it home to open up a three goal lead.

Everton gained some consolation thirteen minutes from the
end when Joe Harper, another former HuddersfieldTown
player, scored with a twenty-two yard shot. Eddie Gray, who had missed all the
pre-season games with a thigh injury, made a promising return for United and
all in all it was a satisfactory start for United who looked capable of chasing
hard after honours again, and it was so far so good for Don Revie’s
dream.

Match Action:

Mick Jones opens his account for the season
with United’s third goal.

Teams:

Players:

Billy Bremner, Johnny
Giles and Mick Jones scored the Leeds goals

Joe Harper replied for EvertonGordon McQueen was
trying toEddie Gray made a return after a long

establish
himself in the first team.absence due to
injury

David Lawson was in the Everton goal

Terry Darracott was
partnered byJohn McLaughlin at full-back

Roger Kenyon was in central defence
with Mike LyonsJoe Harper and Joe Royle
were the strikers

The
Everton midfield was Colin Harvey, Howard Kendall, John Connelly and Mick
Buckley